In the face of life’s toughest challenges, Karen D'Antonio emerged not just as a dedicated mother but as a passionate advocate for holistic healing. Her journey began with a heart-wrenching moment when her son Nicholas was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, leading her to navigate the complexities of both Western medicine and alternative therapies. Inspired by her experiences, Karen founded Wholistically Healed LLC, where she blends her nursing background with a commitment to holistic wellness. In this interview, Karen shares her profound insights on resilience, the importance of emotional and spiritual healing, and her mission to empower others on their healing journeys. Join us as we explore her inspiring story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
1. Can you tell us about the moment you first learned about your son’s diagnosis and how it impacted you personally?
I don't think my son Nicholas or I will ever forget the day his kidney doctor came in. We sat in his room awaiting the biopsy results. He had a rough 2 weeks in the ICU, and we were convinced the worst was over. We received the challenging diagnosis of him having an autoimmune disease, called IGA Nephropathy, which affected both kidneys, and the only treatment was a kidney transplant. I remember telling myself to stay strong, I didn't want Nick to see me upset as that would make him even more upset. The only words I could muster out were "It's going to be okay". I felt powerless, fearful, and angry all at once. I certainly didn't understand why this was happening and how unfair to someone who was just starting in life. As a nurse, I listened carefully to everything that was said, as a mom I knew deep inside that there was something I needed to find that would help him and at that very moment I knew EVERYTHING was going to be okay.
2. What was the main inspiration behind starting Wholistically Healed LLC?
I always knew very early in my nursing career that people needed to heal holistically. Western medicine is wonderful at treating ailments, but it is more than healing, removing, or medicating a body part. Fragmented care doesn't heal anyone. I started over 20 years ago attending spiritual/holistic fairs and that's where I began to learn about holistic care. Of course, my biggest inspiration was my son and what he endured throughout his time of being ill. I studied Kinesiology for over 2 1/2 years and I committed to not only help my son but to help make a difference in others to live a very healthy, happy life.
3. How did you balance your responsibilities as a nurse and a caregiver for your son while managing Wholistically Healed LLC?
I found it difficult to balance my career, my son's health, and my emerging new business. I needed to stay focused, so I made my son my priority every day, I worked my nursing schedule around his care, and I took off time to travel to continue my Kinesiology for my emerging new passion and desire to help others in their healing journey.
4. Can you share a specific challenge you faced while advocating for your son's care and how you overcame it?
I vividly remember the day needed to strongly advocate for my son. He needed to be urgently admitted to the hospital for his worsening labwork which now necessitated him to begin the dialysis process. I was in a realm of medicine that I wasn't 100% aware of but I knew that the right decisions that would affect Nick longterm had to be verbalized to his medical team. He needed a port to start dialysis, normally they put a shunt in the lower forearm that is permanent, and there was no way I was going to allow this procedure. I approached his medical team questioning them what would you do if this was your child? I received no answer from them but received mine crystal clear. I told them to find a different way to place a port as I was not going to have my son endure the lifelong shunt they were encouraging him to do. They decided to place a port into the heart, which has its risks if not cared for properly, but it was the best temporary decision until we found a kidney donor for him.
5. How did studying kinesiology contribute to your approach to healing, and what were some key lessons you learned?
Even before studying Kinesiology my approach to caring for people was healing their body, mind, and soul. Studying this modality just enhanced the care offered to my clients. The biggest takeaway from my classes was" There is always a way". No matter what we can always release what no longer serves the body, and offer the body what it may need including exercise and healthy eating. I also learned how important our thoughts are. Behind every disease there is an underlying unresolved emotion, for instance, unresolved anger can affect the liver, and unresolved grief may affect the lungs. Changing our thought patterns can change our life.
6. What role did emotional and spiritual healing play in your son's recovery process?
I am a very spiritual person, I work with a team of Angels, Guides, and Ancestors who assist me during the healing sessions. 1 learned a great deal of emotional healing during my Kinesiology, helping people release those limiting beliefs that are holding them back. During Nick's recovery process, I continued to help him release any thought patterns, and emotions no longer serving him. I explained to him the importance of this work after the transplant to keep his new kidney healthy and happy. Spiritually I always knew we were guided to the right people, given the right information to help him heal and recover quickly. I also need to mention that his brother Alex Jr. donated his kidney to his brother, and also allowed me to help prepare him for the procedure and the recovery after using my Kinesiology.
7. How did your experience with your son's illness affect your mental health, and what strategies did you use to cope?
In the early days of Nick's diagnosis I was in shock and disbelief. I was angry, sad, and very emotional. Fear of the unknown also set in. My friend Betty was my therapist, my crying buddy, my everything every step of the way. I cried when I needed to, and a few times I had energy work done to help keep me balanced so that I could take care of Nick. I studied a lot which helped me feel purposeful in a situation where I had no control over. My oldest son Alex Jr. was a very big help for me as when Nick was admitted to the ER which was quite often he would always make sure I had food and we had the best nurses to care for his brother. My holistic circle of friends were very supportive, and I utilized meditation to help with my anxiety.
8. Were there moments when you doubted your approach or faced significant setbacks? How did you handle those moments?
There were many setbacks, Nick's blood pressure elevations, his frequent Emergency visits, and dialysis issues. I doubted what I was doing, was it what he needed, or was there something else to do? I needed to trust that everything was happening in the best way possible. I talked with my teachers, consulting with them, and they encouraged and supported me throughout this time. Deep down in my heart, I knew that Kinesiology along with Western medicine was the best way to help Nick heal. We just got through all the issues, I continued my sessions with him and just focused on getting through each day. I had faith that all would be well.
9. What advice would you give to other parents or caregivers dealing with a similar situation?
Stay strong, surround yourself with supportive family and friends. Advocate for your child no matter how young or old they are. Research if there is something you aren't familiar with, if you don't know something someone else does and you just need to seek out the help. Follow your gut, if something doesn't feel right, it's ok to speak up, it's not ok to do something that we aren't comfortable with. Always remember you are powerful. This is your child and you are going to do the very best for them. Also remember to nurture yourself, and take some" me time" whenever possible to regain your strength and tenacity. I believe you can do it!
10. How has your journey influenced the services or practices you offer through Wholistically Healed LLC?
I have always been a compassionate person but this journey has elevated my level of compassion after seeing the suffering my son went through daily. My sessions incorporate a holistic approach, a unique individualized session for everyone who steps into my office. I serve with the greatest intention of helping someone heal themselves as I am only the conduit in their healing process. I see them as whole, already healed and happy. I took what I intended for my son, complete healing, and bring it into Wholistically Healed.
11. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with Wholistically Healed LLC so far?
My desire to help others started at an early age. I love meeting new people every day. The most rewarding part is participating in their healing journey and seeing the positive changes that occur as a result of their Kinesiology session(s). I am humbled to be a part of their journey and so grateful for their trust in me.
12. How do you continue to manage stress and maintain your own well-being while helping others through your business?
For me to help others I need to maintain my level of energy, my wellbeing, and my groundedness. I continue my self-work through kinesiology, emotion code, shamanic practices, and EFT tapping. I work daily on myself to help me be a better practitioner for each of my clients. I practice what I preach! Stress will always be present in our lives, it is just learning the ways to manage it so that you can offer strategies for your clients to handle their stress.
13. Can you share any success stories or feedback from those who have benefited from your holistic approach?
Many of my clients have reported "feeling lighter" after a session, some have said they "felt taller". Most report feeling calm, less anxiety, and even less pain. I notice that people who are very quiet open up after a session. There are visible changes to their face many times, usually when many limited beliefs have been lifted. Everyone always says how good they feel. When people ask what a session feels like and, if it will work, I gently encourage them to experience a session and they are always happy they did. I encourage people to visit my website to see more testimonials.
14. How do you see the future of holistic health evolving, and what role do you hope to play in it?
I am so very excited about the future of Holistic Health. Some hospitals are using essential oils and reiki energy healing. That is a positive direction for us to move into. Soon, I see people looking at energy medicine, oils, reiki, and kinesiology as adjuncts to their medical care. I hope that doctors will one day refer patients to complementary care alongside their plan of care. I find people looking for other avenues of healing themselves and I am so excited to be a part of this. My voice will be heard and I will advocate for all to receive the best holistic care for them.
15. What message would you like to share with other women who might be facing their own personal or professional challenges?
My message to women is never to give up. Stand in your power, stand in your truth. You have everything you need inside of you and by that I mean your self-confidence, your self-worth, and most importantly, your self-love. Life will continue to throw us curveballs, but these are lessons for our highest good. Your growth will be exponential through these toughest times, and you will look back in amazement at the power and strength that you embraced to carry you through. There's always a way, so believe in yourself, and surround yourself with those who love and honor you. Stay positive in your thinking, you got this! I believe in you.
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